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Despite a relatively low yield, Crystal’s has made it a fairly popular hop. It’s woodsy, green, floral and fruity with herb and spice notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and black pepper. Extremely versatile, it’s even used for its notable aromatic qualities in IPAs and Bitters despite its low alpha acid content. First bred in 1983, it has an interesting lineage with …

Despite Eroica hops enjoying a high alpha acid percentage, they are, on paper at least, overshadowed by their sister Galena. It appears this comparison is also moving them toward denouement of commercial production along with their cones being considered difficult to harvest and it’s susceptibility to Ringspot and Mosaic virus. Developed by both the Idaho and Oregon Agricultural Experiment Stations …

First Gold is a Golding variety, bred from Whitbread Golding and a dwarf variety at Wye College in England. It was released in 1996 and has the distinction of being England’s first hedgerow hop. For brewers, it is useful in just about any style. Exceptionally versatile, First Gold can be added at any point in the boil in addition to …

Super alpha Galena is one of the most widely used bittering hop varieties in the US and is also an excellent dual-use hop. Galena’s fruity flavor profile really kicks with clean and agreeable notes of citrus. Some brewers have noted its better when boiled in smaller quantities and that later additions bring forth stronger aromas of blackcurrant. Directly descended from …

Developed by Washington State University and released in 2000, Glacier is a high yielding, dual-purpose hop characterized by low cohumulone levels, giving it a moderate and pleasant bitterness. Glacier’s aroma and flavor notes are herby, woody and citrusy. Glacier’s popularity in the brewing sector is growing. It is highly suited for IPAs, ESBs and APAs, but has been used in …

Calypso is a Yakima Valley bred, dual-purpose diploid hop with Hopsteiner lineage on both sides. Despite its aroma-focused origins, it boasts a high alpha acid percentage. In addition to this, Calypso features crisp, fruity aromas and flavors that exhibit elements of apple, pear and stone fruit brightened with hints of lime citrus. It is marvelously complex with an almost understated …

Admiral is an excellent mid-season hops variety derived from grandparent Challenger and likely parent, Northdown. Its exact lineage is unclear. Hailing from Wye College, England it was released to the brewing world in 1998 as a potential high-alpha replacement or complimentary addition to Target hops. It features higher acid content than either of its elders, possesses aggressive but smooth bittering …

Yakima Valley bred Ahtanum™ is sweet and peppery with a piney-citrus aspect. Warmly aromatic and moderately bittering, Ahtanum™ is a hop of distinction. It is often likened to Cascade though without going that far, it makes more sense to say that Cascade may be an acceptable substitute. In comparison, Ahtanum™ is less bitter, its alpha acids are lower and its …

Ubiquitous Amarillo® hops are used in several commercial beers where its ultra-high myrcene content creates a delicious orange citrus flavor. It is also highly acidic, making it perfect for ESB’s and Pale Ales. A varietal of Virgil Gamache Farms, Inc., Amarillo® was discovered to be a mutation from another variety. Want this hop? Browse our recommended stockists below. Also Known …

Early Bird, or Amos’s Early Bird as it was formerly known, is a Goldings variety and considered one of England’s premier aroma hops. While not terribly disease and wilt tolerant, it is bred for its immensely pleasing aroma and gentle hoppiness. Discovered in 1887 by Alfred Amos, the owner of Spring Grove farm in Wye, Early Bird was hand-selected from …

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About the Author

Julian Healey is a writer turned marketing consultant, author and entrepreneur. Venturing from his home in Melbourne, Julian has travelled to four continents conversing with brewers and hop farmers about their craft. Driven by an intense curiosity for the business of craft beer, he has spent more than five years researching beer hops. It’s his intention to continue these travels, learning more about the ever-evolving role hops play within the global brewing industry.